A CLEANER who punched a transgender woman and pulled her hair has been spared jail.

Philip Poole, 41, of Shirley Street, Hove, pleaded guilty to common assault and intentional harassment, alarm and distress when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court. He admitted verbally abusing a 25-year-old transgender woman, punching her and pulling her hair in St James’s Street, Brighton, at 12.30am on Saturday, February 11.

Poole also admitted verbally abusing a police officer who was called to the scene by a passerby.

He was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and has to take part in rehabilitation for 25 days.

He was fined £40 for the offence against the police officer and has to pay £45 in costs and a victim surcharge of £115.

Sussex Police hate crime sergeant Peter Allan said: “I am pleased the court have convicted the defendant in this case. No one should be targeted in this way because of who they are. I hope this case will encourage other victims of hate to report such behaviour to the police.

“What was really pleasing to me is that four members of the public came to the assistance of the victim.”